Highlights from the Q1Medicare PDP-Facts.com 2026 stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) landscape analysis.

(1) Fewer 2026 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan choices: There will be 31% fewer 2026 stand-alone Medicare Part D plan options (with the average number of Medicare Part D plans per CMS Region decreasing almost 38%).

(2) Many people will see 2026 increases in their current 2025 PDP premiums: Although the average 2026 Medicare Part D PDP premium will increase only 2%, when premiums are weighted by current enrollment, up to 47% of 2025 Medicare Part D plan members (not considering Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) eligibility) may see 2026 increases in their monthly premiums - with an average premium increase of $28.76.

(3) Fewer low-premium 2026 PDPs: Expect 15% fewer low-premium (under $25) stand-alone 2026 Medicare Part D plan options. The good news: $0 premium stand-alone 2026 Medicare drug plans will be available in many states.

(4) Fewer LIS $0 PDPs: Around 23% fewer 2026 Medicare Part D plans qualify for the LIS $0 premium.

Important: People qualifying for Medicare Part D Extra Help or the Low-Income Subsidy may notice that their current 2025 Medicare Part D plan will no longer qualify for the $0 LIS premium in 2026 – and will need to choose another 2026 Medicare Part D plan qualifying for the $0 LIS premium. Also, LIS beneficiaries should watch their mail for notices about their 2026 Extra Help/LIS status.

(5) Most 2026 stand-alone Medicare drug plans have a deductible: 89% of all stand-alone 2026 Medicare Part D PDPs will have a deductible.

(6) Reminder about changes in 2026 Medicare Part D drug plan designs:
-- The standard drug plan deductible will increase to $615.
-- The maximum out-of-pocket spending limit (RxMOOP) will increase to $2,100.

More information can be found at:
https://q1medicare.com/news/a-first-look-at-the-2026-stand-alone-medicare-part/1073/18/